So excited Arizonans represent on this forum! I live in flagstaff az. Best of all worlds- 1 hour from Grand Canyon- 30 minute from Sedona. And smack dab in the middle of as much pine as you will ever want. Let me know if you have any questions about Sedona or flagstaff area. I can probably save you some time hunting for spots. You can pm me if you need.

Grew up in Scottsdale. Depending on the scale you want, you can find a lot of great settings right there in Scottsdale (particularly North Scottsdale towards Fountain Hills). This shot was taken hiking up Scottsdale Mountain (about 130th, I believe)

All of the other spots that have been recommended are great if you have transportation. Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon are no brainers. Some of the other killer spots are near Paige in the Northeast corner of the state, but require more driving.

Nice shots Dustin...I'm in North Scottsdale so I might look for those trails you mentioned.

I few shots from AZ....love this time of year down there, 80's with low humidity, and flowers in bloom everywhere.

Thanks again for suggestions...I went to Sedona, Pinnacle Peak, Phoenix botanical garden, and "lost dog trail".

Some pretty results. I think I recognize the spot in the first image - along the "Lost Dog Trailhead" , right? Sedona is always pretty easy to identify. You're right, by the way, this is the perfect time of year to visit AZ.

I few shots from AZ....love this time of year down there, 80's with low humidity, and flowers in bloom everywhere.

Thanks again for suggestions...I went to Sedona, Pinnacle Peak, Phoenix botanical garden, and "lost dog trail".

Some pretty results. I think I recognize the spot in the first image - along the "Lost Dog Trailhead" , right? Sedona is always pretty easy to identify. You're right, by the way, this is the perfect time of year to visit AZ.

You're right! Second and fourth are pinnacle peak in north Scottsdale...second one was at sunrise, fourth was right after sunset.

Arizona is one of the most beautiful states (if not the most beautiful) in the U.S. You could spend a year there and not see all the great areas to photograph.

Others have listed the top sites. I'm not sure if anybody mentioned Monument Valley in the northeast corner of the state, but its well woth the drive. Antelope Canyon in the Page area has some incredible eroded rock formations. As others have stated, the Grand Canyon and Sedona are "don't miss" sights. I prefer the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to the more heavily visited South Rim, but its a long drive around.

On our last visit I took a 7D with a 15-85mm standard zoom and a 100-400L for wildlife and isolation shots. When we go back I might rent a UWA zoom like the 16-35mm if I don't own one by then. I did lots of panoramas that turned out well however using the 15-85mm.

I few shots from AZ....love this time of year down there, 80's with low humidity, and flowers in bloom everywhere.

Thanks again for suggestions...I went to Sedona, Pinnacle Peak, Phoenix botanical garden, and "lost dog trail".

Some pretty results. I think I recognize the spot in the first image - along the "Lost Dog Trailhead" , right? Sedona is always pretty easy to identify. You're right, by the way, this is the perfect time of year to visit AZ.

You're right! Second and fourth are pinnacle peak in north Scottsdale...second one was at sunrise, fourth was right after sunset.

Sedona does have its charm and undeniable beauty of the rocks but I really hate the way they have let cheap nasty development sprawl all over the place.

Agree 100 percent. Sedona should have been designated as a national park and now it is too late. (Yes parts are national forest land so you can get some clean views, but not general overviews which are marred by the city).